Business View Oceania | September 2020

52 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA SEPTEMBER 2020 Association Submitted by the New Zealand Geothermal Association (NZGA) G eothermal is an important energy source in the Western Pacific including the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Japan. A number of Pacific nations such as Vanuatu, Samoa and the Marianas have the potential to develop geothermal resources. This article examines the current state of one of geothermal energy’s original pioneers: New Zealand. Market Segments While New Zealand has ancient and historical uses of geothermal energy, the current geothermal industry arose in the 1950’s and now comprises four segments: high, moderate and low temperature sectors plus a regulatory sector. The high temperature sector develops geothermal resources for electricity generation and industrial heat processing. Participants in this market include relatively large operator/ AN UPDATE ON THE GEOTHERMAL INDUSTRY IN NEW ZEALAND